Reach for the stars with Leicester at GREAT Festival of Innovation 2018

The University of Leicester will bring the wonders of the Universe to Hong Kong as part of the UK government’s GREAT Festival of Innovation, which launches its fifty-day countdown from today (30 January).

Internationally renowned for its world-leading research in space science, technology, engineering and Earth observation, Leicester will join other UK universities in showcasing how leading sectors are collaborating with these unique engines of innovation to gain a competitive edge, strategically linking higher education, research and business to help create tomorrow.

The UK government is hosting a GREAT Festival of Innovation in Hong Kong to showcase the power of UK innovation and technology to the world. The festival from 21 – 24 March 2018 will show how new technology could change the way we work, learn and play in the future. It will also provide a fantastic opportunity for the very best British and Asian innovators to create new trade links and strengthen existing relationships with hundreds of international business leaders and investors.

The University of Leicester has a 50-year-plus record of delivering the science and engineering which has enabled exploration of space to Jupiter and beyond. In 2017, the University received funding to kick start the development of Space Park Leicester to drive innovation in its world-class strengths in space and Earth observation science and provide a new anchor for a vital British industry. The University of Leicester’s vision is that Space Park Leicester will be recognised internationally as the world-leading hub for space and space-enabled data industries.

Leicester’s leading role in space research and technologies will be represented at the GREAT Festival of Innovation by space science researcher and aspiring astronaut Dr Suzie Imber, who was the winner of 2017’s Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes? TV series on the UK’s BBC2 and who will be on-hand to inspire others to reach for the stars with their ambitions.

Senior representatives of the University will be travelling to Hong Kong to talk about some of the latest exciting developments to come from space science and space-enabled technologies.

The University will also be hosting a special Alumni Reception on Friday 23 March at The Excelsior. Find out more here.